Low-cost interventions have clear payback in terms of fewer hospitalizations and medical costs in a very short timeframe.

More substantial but basic design and structural modifications average $9,000–$12,000 per one-story residence.

Using $10,000 as a sample cost for basic structural modifications compared to assisted living costs at $3,000+/month, a simple equation shows that avoiding those costs for a little more than three months will pay for home modifications.

If we include customary expenses for continuing bills such as utilities, taxes, maintenance, etc., of $850/month, food at $250/month, three hours of daily assistance twice weekly at $19/hour or $456/month, and three days per week in adult day services at $804/month.

Toilet Modification

It will take about 14 months to break even on the modifications. By the end of 24 months there is a net savings near $10,000.

But if one hospitalization or one serious fall with medical and health care consequences is avoided, the savings appear much earlier.